Top ranked Redlands to open CBL at County Clash

And he and the Terriers don't often, if at all, voluntarily give up their home field advantage.

Unless, of course, RHS has been tabbed as a participant in the County Clash.

RHS will face AB Miller in the second game of today's 17th annual County Clash, a triple header at San Manuel Stadium.

"For us, it's our home game," Valencia said. "It's tough to give up playing at our own ball park. But it's one of those situations where the kids really like to play in this. It's a great way to promote baseball in the Inland Empire and it's a great way to promote our league."

The County Clash will feature Redlands East Valley and Yucaipa in the evening contest.

"I think it comes down to scheduling and it also is a pretty neat thing to be a part of," Valencia said. "It says a lot that Redlands, Redlands East Valley and Yucaipa are there as well. It's good for the community and for everyone involved."

According to the website of the Inland Empire 66ers, host of the event, participating schools are given 1,000 tickets to sell to their families, friends, and fans, at $4 each. The Inland Empire 66ers offer a 50/50 split on all the proceeds from the ticket sales, allowing the teams to earn up to $2,000 for their baseball programs.

Being an active part of the community is an important aspect of our team, and we welcome the chance to support local organizations, especially youth sports programs," said 66ers General Manager Joe Hudson, adding, "This event also gives us the opportunity to finalize our preparations, making sure that San Manuel Stadium and the staff are primed and ready for the upcoming season."

Redlands (7-2) is ranked No. 1 in the CIF-Southern Section Division 2 poll, among the key moments have been winning the Redlands Baseball Invitational and a road win over Clovis at the prestigious Central California Showcase.

"We've really tried to focus on ourselves and not about who we are playing," Valencia said. "That's been our focus. We are trying to focus on the things that will make us better."

RHS arrives at the Clash for its fourth straight road game and will follow the Clash with trips to Cajon, Redlands East Valley and Yucaipa.

"For the most part we are playing a pretty tough nonleague schedule," Valencia said. "We are playing some quality teams. We've seen all forms of pitching, guys who have thrown hard and guys who have not. I really think it has prepared us for league. Now we just have to go out and play."

Redlands' Jimmy Walker is rated fourth among Division 2 batters with a .560 batting average, he has 14 hits in nine games. His 10 RBIs rank him in the top 20.

"We are in league now, this starts our second season," Valencia said. "I think, for us, we just have to go out and play our best baseball. We have to do the things we are successful at and see how it goes."